Review of prenatal tests and procedures
Urinalysis
Dip-stick analysis testing glucose, protein, hemoglobin, ketons, pH - quick and easy orientation to diagnose major urinary system diseases (pregnant women suffer more often for urinary tract infections because of a progesteron-induced relaxation of the urinary system)
Uricult ( cultivation of urine)
Microbiological analysis of the urine.
Vaginal swab (Strep-smear)
There are many various bacteria in vagina, most of them do not cause any complications, some of them (Lactobacillus) are necessary to maintain proper composition of bacterial flora (proper vaginal ecosystem).
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Performed in patients with a risk factor (family history of diabetes, glucose in urine, abnormal weight gain of mother or baby, history of large baby), if is abnormal - further management of the disorder (diet, insulin).
Ultrasonography (scan)
The schedule includes a so-called three-step ultrasonography (first/second/third trimester) with special attention to the measurement of nuchal translucency in the 13th week for purposes of early prenatal diagnostics (see our information about prenatal diagnostics). This is the most common ultrasonographic schedule in countries providing top-level prenatal care.
The main task of USG in
• the first trimester
to see heartbeats, movements, shape and number of embryos/fetuses
• second trimester
visualisation of fetal organs, exclusion of births defects
• third trimester
to show fetal growth (less than average, above average), location and structure of placenta, amniotic fluid volume
Cardiotocography (Electronic Fetal Monitoring)
Observation of changes in the fetal heart rate and external uterine pressure. Lasts about 25 minutes. Performed routinely in the last month before childbirth (to confirm fetal well-being and to exclude the risk of asphyxia for the baby), or at earlier stages of pregnancy for various reasons (premature labour, lack of fetal activity).
Blood tests
- blood type, rhesus factor (tested once in a pregnancy)
- irregular antibodies screening (checked 3 - 4 times in pregnancy if rhesus factor is negative)
- complete blood count (red and white cells, platelets), iron (tested 2-3 times during pregnancy).
(The growing fetus needs a lot of vitamins, minerals and trace elements for proper growth, iron absorption is very high, and there is active transportation of iron from the mother to the fetus through the placenta).
Pelvic examination
It is common practice in the Czech Republic to submit to a pelvic exam during each prenatal visit. In our office we perform a pelvic exam only during the first prenatal visit to find out uterine position and enlargement and pelvic masses.
Colposcopy and PAP smear
Performed in first trimester to exclude the risk of cervical cancer provided that they were not done in the last six months.
BP measurement
Both hypotension and hypertension can complicate the pregnancy. Blood pressure monitoring is a very important part of obstetrical care.
Physical examination + E.C.G.
Performed about one month before EDD, each maternity hospital in the Czech Republic requires p.e. and ECG, useful in the case of emergency - urgent caesarean section, manual lysis of placenta or postpartal D a C.
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